The Minnesota Design Center (MDC) is seeking a designer/developer (University Classification 8637D1) to create a working web-based application with a collaborative team led by the MDC and Hennepin County’s Housing Stability Area. As part of a larger county initiative, this product will serve as a “virtual access point” directing residents to county services that will help them find and retain stable housing. In this role, you should be an analytical and creative designer who is able to grasp user needs and solve problems. The successful candidate for the position will be self-motivated, able to work collaboratively, and passionate about using web tools and emerging technologies to create broad social impact in the public sector.

This is a temporary posted position at 100% for stage 1 of this project from September through February 2020. Additional funding, satisfactory performance, and the needs of the department may make renewal possible for Spring 2020.

Applicants with a portfolio of successful UX and other technical design projects are encouraged to apply. The position would be well suited for a working professional or a graduate student. We are committed to attracting candidates from historically underrepresented groups knowing that diversity enriches the design process and provides a knowledge base for innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIESThe designer/developer works with key project staff to identify key challenges and propose web-based solutions to resident needs. This position translates user needs and ideas into a working web-based interface as part of a community-driven design process to better connect county residents with housing resources.

Research• Collect user research from diverse stakeholder groups through a variety of modalities (eg: community interviews, observation, feedback).• Interpret community interviews, observation, and feedback into a human-centered web product proposals.

Design• Develop and test web-based design prototypes in collaboration with key project staff and project participants, including lo-fi methods such as wireframes, storyboards, and mockups.• Provide relevant feedback on research, and make real-time recommendations as part of an iterative design process.

Integration• Create a product that can be adapted or shared between institutional platforms and easily maintained by its final owner.

Communication• Develop and/or present project process and outcomes, including stakeholder updates, community outreach efforts, and final evaluation reporting.• Collaborate with the MDC director and lead researcher on reports and publications.• Participate in the documentation of code and process for public presentations.

Required

BS/BA or BFA in Design, Computer Science, Engineering, or similar field and 1 year experience in user experience design.

Proficiency in design software and development platforms including, but not limited to, HTML/CSS/Javascript, Bootstrap, GitHub, and the Adobe Suite.

Knowledge of and ability to apply web protocols, standards, and technologies, such as digital accessibility (W3C), CSS Grid, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Experience with Responsive Web Design (RWD) patterns.

Proven ability to create working prototypes (proofs of concept) at varying degrees of fidelity.

Ability to effectively communicate with people from a variety of backgrounds and communities.

Preferred

Master’s or PHD candidate in Design, Computer Science, Engineering, or similar field.

Capacity to learn and adapt to multiple platforms and programming languages.

Comfort with working in an Agile/Scrum development process.

Proven experience in human-centered design methodologies and their use in the public sector.

An ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

An interest in service design, particularly related to government programs such as social service, housing stability, and disparity reduction initiatives.

A strong desire to leverage design expertise into social change.

Professional experience on a research project team or similar environment.

Internal Number: 332337

About University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.